Health Buzz: Dementia in Seniors and Other Health News

Growing Older and Waning Mental Agility

Nearly all of us will eventually either know a cognitively impaired person, or be that person, according to a study published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Using neuropsychological testing and in-depth interviews of 856 elderly subjects and their families, researchers surmised that more than 1 in 3 people over 70 have some degree of cognitive impairment, though not necessarily the full-blown dementia.

Compounding the problem is the frequency that cognitive impairment occurs along with another chronc disease. The good news, if there is any, is that steps taken against cognitive decline can double as steps against some of the most commonly associated conditions.

In related news, a study by the Alzheimer's Association suggests that 1 in 8 American baby boomers will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or develop some sort of dementia.  Approximately 5.2 million Americans have already developed the disease, and the study's findings suggest that the United States will experience another million cases by 2010.

"The coming Alzheimer's epidemic will, if left unchecked, put a huge strain on the health care system," USA Today reports.

To Boost Athletic Performance, Look for Other Options

Amid the current controversy over the use of illegal performance-enhancing substances in professional athletes, a new study shows that HGH may actually do little to actually enhance performance.
While experts warn that further research is needed, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported that in the existing literature on HGH, those who took the substance showed no sign of improved aerobic performance, nor did they show signs of a better ability to lift weights.

So there's no edge, right? Not so fast. The amount of HGH and number of doses taken in the real world aren't really known except through anecdotes, and most likely include far more HGH for far longer duration than were studied, according to the study's author.

Recently the On Men columnist Adam Voiland looked at how popular the use of HGH is among middle-class and elderly Americans.

The Truth About Pillows

Instead of watching your back, investigate your pillows and sleep patterns for explanations of back pain. A Washington Post article explains the significant connection between back pain and pillow use. It also suggests that you change your pillows frequently to reduce dust mites and fungi.